
Ursula von der Leyen re-elected EU Commission president
Ursula von der Leyen has been voted in for a new five-year term as President of the EU Commission by a majority in the European Parliament on Thursday. The 65-year-old top German politician visibly relieved, touched her chest when the results were announced in the Strasbourg plenary session. Von der Leyen, demonstrating strong support compared to her narrow win in 2019, received 401 votes, 40 more than the required 361, with 284 against and 15 abstentions. She built her majority on a centrists’ coalition and prioritized the EU’s growth, security, the upholding of climate goals, and the strengthening of outer borders to curb migration. She confirmed a commitment to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040 towards EU’s climate neutrality by 2050, while emphasizing a pragmatic approach, respecting various sectors like agriculture.